Washington · June 2014 & July 2017
Hike Summary
Distance: 
9.75 miles out and back
Total Elevation Gain: 
2,400 ft
Starting Elevation: 
570 ft
Highest Point: 
2,521 ft
Hike Time: 
6 - 7 hrs
Difficulty: 
Moderate
Seasons: 
April - October
Dogs: 
Allowed on Leash
Pass Required: 
Lake Serene offers dramatic mountain lake scenery with a trailhead located only a little over an hour from Seattle. The hike to Lake Serene is often combined with a short detour to Bridal Veil Falls, an impressive destination by itself.
Most of the trail is under the coverage of dense forest. The start of the hike gains only moderate elevation, and the middle segment is relatively flat. Don't get too comfortable, though—it gets much harder at the base of the mountain leading to Lake Serene.
At just under 2 miles, you have the option of heading up to Bridal Veil Falls. You save a total of only one mile if you choose to skip this part. If you're unsure, you can head straight to Lake Serene and decide whether you have energy to visit the falls on the way back.
Upper Bridal Veil Falls
Upper area of Bridal Veil Falls
Lake Serene Trail
Lower Bridal Veil Falls
The lower waterfalls next to trail on the way to Lake Serene
The final 1.5 miles of the trail takes you up 1,300 vertical feet of countless switchbacks to the edge of Lake Serene. Just before the final push up to the lake, the trail opens up to a clearing for views of the valley below.
Lake Serene Trail
Instead of heading straight towards the lake upon first sight, following the foot path is easier and will lead to a large rock platform which is the best place to catch your breath. The side walls of Mt. Index rise 3,000 feet from the lake's basin, and early summer snow piles on the shore reflect nicely when the water is still.
Lake Serene
Lake Serene
Lake Serene and Mt. Index
Mt. Index
July 2017
Lake Serene and Mt. Index
Lake Serene and Mt. Index
Lake Serene
Lake Serene
Directions
The trailhead is located off Mt. Index Road, south of US Highway 2 near the town of Index, Washington, which is west of Stevens Pass.
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Bridal Veil Falls: 47.790803, -121.569116
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